Apple is updating iTunes U, bringing educators and students new tools to build and experience educational content on iPad.

Beginning July 8, teachers using the free iTunes U app can create, edit and manage entire courses directly on iPad, and students will discover new ways to collaborate including the ability to start class discussions and ask questions right from their iPad.

The new in-app updates to iTunes U give teachers full course creation capabilities on iPad, with the ability to directly add rich content and learning materials from iWork, iBooks Author or any of the rest educational apps available for iPad. Taking advantage of the built-in camera on iPad, teachers can also capture photos and videos to incorporate real-world subject matter into any course.

With Discussions in the iTunes U app, students can automatically follow classroom discussions and join conversations on new topics, or set up push notifications for when new topics are started or replies are added to active exchanges. Teachers can participate in forums too, and have the ability to moderate discussions by removing any off-topic messages or replies.